Characteristics

Training is usually divided into three sections: kihon or "basics", kumite or "sparring", and kata (forms or patterns of moves). Shotokan techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances which provide stability, powerful movements and also helps strengthen the legs. Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. The kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to being more "free" and flexible at a higher level. Funakoshi is said to have found the traditional martial arts (such as sumo, jujutsu and kenjutsu) to be too focused on combat, and he put more emphasis on health, breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control.^{[citation needed]} Shotokan can be regarded as a hard and 'external' martial art.

Before his students established the Japan Karate Association, Master Funakoshi Gichin laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate, which form the foundations of the art. Within these twenty principles, based heavily on Bushido and Zen, lies the philosophy of Shotokan.

1. Never forget: karate begins with rei and ends with rei (Rei means courtesy or respect, and is represented in karate by bowing)
2. There is no first attack in karate
3. Karate supports righteousness
4. First understand yourself, then understand others
5. The art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique
6. The mind needs to be freed
7. Trouble is born of negligence / ignorance
8. Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo
9. Karate training requires a lifetime
10. Transform everything into karate; therein lies its exquisiteness
11. Karate is like hot water, if you do not give it heat constantly, it will again become cold water
12. Do not think that you have to win, rather think you do not have to lose
13. Transform yourself according to the opponent
14. The outcome of the fight depends on one's control
15. Imagine one's arms and legs as swords
16. Once you leave the shelter of home, there are a million enemies
17. Postures are for the beginner; later they are natural positions
18. Perform the kata correctly; the real fight is a different matter
19. Do not forget control of the dynamics of power, the elasticity of the body and the speed of the technique
20. Apply the way of Karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.

Source:^[2]

Also, Dojo Kun is very important:

1. Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuro koto.
   First, seek perfection of character.
2. Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto.
   First, protect the path of truth.
3. Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto.
   First, foster the spirit of effort.
4. Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto.
   First, respect the rules of etiquette.
5. Hitotsu, kekki no yu o imashimuru koto.
   First, guard against impetuous courage.

The prefix Hitotsu (variously tranlated as one or first) is used to indicate that all five principles are equally important. Another less literal translation of the Kun, though possibly a better contextual translation, used by many:

1. Exert oneself in the perfection of character
2. Be faithful and sincere
3. Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
4. Respect propriety
5. Refrain from impetuous courage and reckless behaviour

Funakoshi also wrote the Ultimate Aim of Karate-do:

"The Ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant